Water

Water is not only a fundamental resource for life, it is also an important feature of our local environment with the north branch of the Park River, known to us as the Hog River, winding its way through campus. A number of initiatives are designed to protect both the quality and quantity of water in our region.

In summer 2012, the dam by Lincoln Theater will be replaced by a single span bridge. This project will remove the barrier to fish migration up the Park River and will potentially return the river to Class A status, which supports fish and recreation.

The students of Hillyer College, led by Prof. Wick Griswold, clean up the area around the Hog River twice a year to remove trash and debris.

The water used to water the grass and plants at the University comes from a well rather than using potable, drinkable water, which requires much more processing.

In 2011-2012, the dishwashers in the Commons and at the 1877 club are being replaced by models that require significantly less water and energy than the units using older technology.